Deraavaad Sant

When people – specially of Indian origin – see somebody claiming to be a holy man, they fall on his feet. He may be a first-class thief under his outer covering, but nonetheless he is revered!

Because, in ignorance or greed, we readily accept anyone who says “I am God”, “I have seen God”, “I will show you God”, “I can give you son – ਦੁਧ ਪੁਤ”, “I can improve your business”, “I can fulfill all your desires”, “I can win your lawsuit”, and so on.

Nowadays, for various reasons, if someone just wants to live as a “freeloader” in the society, he becomes a Sant (Saint)! A well paying business indeed, wherein there need not be any investment and therefore, it is a safe activity of “all gains and no loss”! Also, there is no need to toil! In fact, many disguised in the dress of Sant (ਭੇਖ, ਬਾਣਾ) are hardcore criminals running from the law!

Consider the following verses in which Bhatt Bhikhaa Ji (whose Bani is included in the SGGS) mentions of spending one year (“ਬਰਸੁ ਏਕੁ ਹਉ ਫਿਰਿਓ”) searching for a true Sant, but could not find one. He found all them to be sweet talkers on the outside, but full of Maya’s poison or corruption on the inside (i.e., fraud…). Finally, he gave up his search and came to the Guroo Sahib.

The present day Sant and their Deraas are probably the descendent (ਔਲਾਦ) of the same fraud referred to by Bhatt Bhikhaa Ji in the Gurbani above. Undoubtedly some may be new ones as well! Nonetheless, they are religious con men, who have reduced the Gurbani, Sikhi, or Dharma to a mere mundane business (“ਰੋਟੀਆ ਕਾਰਣਿ” ਧੰਧਾ; “ਬਾਨਾਰਸਿ ਕੇ ਠਗ” )!).

According to the Gurbani, the Real Deraa is the Eternal One (True, Sachaa, ਸਚਾ, ਅਸਲ, ਪੱਕਾ, ਸਦੀਵੀ ਟਿਕਾਣਾ…), and the value of that Deraa beyond is known only to those, who, through the Gur-Shabad, brcomes fit for Grace of the Perfect Lord:

Why, per the Gurbani, a worldly Deraa (ਸੰਸਾਰੀ ਡੇਰਾ) is not the true (Sachaa-ਸਚਾ) Deraa? Because, as the Gurbani says, it is perishable (temporary, fleeting, not lasting, Maya, etc.)- nothing in this Mayaic world is permanent:

Then why these so called Sant are so attached to the worldly Deraas furnished with expensive cars, luxurious lifestyle, etc.? Some are even contemplating having their private jets and landing strips in their Deraas (probably some already have them!)! Clearly, to support their Mayaic lifestyle of “freeloaders” in the society, they don’t care what the Gurbani (Gurmat) says, for they don’t believe it anyhow. If they did, then they would be living according to the Giaan (Wisdom, Oupadesh…) of the Gur-Shabad.

These “freeloaders” live a life of “Dhroh” (“ਧ੍ਰੋਹ”=> to live freely off others and, in return, mislead them…). The Gurbani indicates those engaged in vulturous “Dhroh” (“ਧ੍ਰੋਹ”) are full of Bikaar (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride….).

Instead of searching the Truth ourselves, we accept “Thugs” who come along claiming to be Holy, etc. Such “Thugs” and swindlers are pullulating nowadays every where in the world. If one is not alert, he can be easily distracted, cheated, trapped and snared into their net of Bharam-Jaal or Maya-Jaal (traps of illusion, delusion…). Baabaa Nanak is asking global-mankind to be on the alert — this is what he indicates when he says, “ਤਾ ਕੈ ਮੂਲਿ ਨ ਲਗੀਐ ਪਾਇ ॥ – don’t ever touch their feet”.

Note the last two verses in the foregoing Slok: ਘਾਲਿ ਖਾਇ ਕਿਛੁ ਹਥਹੁ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਰਾਹੁ ਪਛਾਣਹਿ ਸੇਇ ॥੧॥: One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has – O Nanak! He knows the Path ||1||.

The Gurbani’s Teachig is that one should work with his hands (Kirat Kamaaee – ਕਿਰਤ ਕਮਾਈ) while keeping the consciousness united with the Niranjan within, which, again, these fraud Sant do not follow – they don’t work for what they eat. Clearly, they don’t care what Baabaa Nanak tells them in the Gurbani.

Simply put: If a so called Sant does not righteously work with his hands to earn his living, then he is not even a Sikh (student/learner of the Gurbani-ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਤੋਂ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਲੈਣ ਵਾਲਾ) let alone, a Sant!!!!!

Because they themselves cannot see beyond Maya, they mislead people and put them on the path of Maya (attach them to body-consciousness…).

If they themselves are so spiritually sick, then how in the world they are going to cure others! In other words, how they can de-toxicate others from the addiction to which they themselves are addicted to! [ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਸੋਭਾ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਰੇ ਨਾਹਿ ॥ ਆਵਤ ਪਹੀਆ ਖੂਧੇ ਜਾਹਿ ॥ (sggs 872)].

Apparently, they don’t understand or believe what the Gurbani says! They only believe and do whatever their crooked, Mayaic minds tell them to do. That will put them in the category of self-willed, Manmatee, etc. (i.e., Manmukhs, Saakats, Asants, Asaadh, Thugs…).

If they don’t follow Truth (ਸਚ-Sach) of the Gurbani, then they are religious con men swindling people (Thugs, thief, ਠੱਗ, ਚੋਰ…) in the name of the Gurbani, Dharma, and Sikhi.

Whatever they do is to trap people as: ਕਰਿ ਸੀਗਾਰੁ ਬਹੈ ਪਖਿਆਰੀ ॥ (sggs 871.

Thus, instead of linking with their own Mool within as demanded by the Gurbani, these fake Sant are linking themselves and others with Maya [ਹਉ ਬਿਨੁ ਗਾਂਠੇ ਜਾਇ ਪਹੂਚਾ ॥੨॥ (sggs 659)].

These tricksters (along with their corrupt lackeys – pupils, politicians buddies…) have done tremendous damage to the Teaching of the Gurbani (Gurmat) – they have mislead people away from the True Instruction (“ਸਿਖੀ ਸਿਖਿਆ”) of the Gur-Shabad and put them on the path of Karamkaand, rituals, dogmas, Bhekh (ਭੇਖ-garbs), Jaat-Paat, worldly entanglements (“ਆਲ ਜਾਲ”, ਪੁੱਠੀ ਮੱਤ), etc., from which the Gurbani frees us (ਮੋ ਕਉ ਕਹਾ ਪੜ੍ਹ੍ਹਾਵਸਿ ਆਲ ਜਾਲ ॥: sggs 1194)!!

Since they themselves are not linked with the Gur-Shabad within, then how are they going to link others with it? They cannot. Instead, they are linking people to themselves; ruining (spiritually) themselves and others in the process [ਲੋਗੁ ਗੰਠਿ ਗੰਠਿ ਖਰਾ ਬਿਗੂਚਾ ॥ (sggs 659)].

In my understanding all references in SGGS ji either SINGULAR or PLURAL are for Gur Joti ..EKANKAARu as the only Ultimate Entity.
It is further important to observe that Gurbaanee is all telling about a WAVE/WAVES character of this Ultimate Entity that is why we have SINGULAR and PLURAL references which are applicable to such a character of the ENTITY. Even NAAMu/NAAM is reference of A WAVE of a specifific word for SABADu.

Are we to understand no one can has ever or can never reach to the state of SANT by following Gurbani. There are places where word SANTAN is written. (Which is plural). Waheguru is one and only one. Then to whom this word refers to. For eg…last line of keertan Sohila……”Nanak daas ehe sukh mange moko kar santan ke dhuaire”
Kindly help understans this.

Thank you Bhai Sahib Seva Singh Jio for sharing the Gurbani Vichaar.
Also, welcome to the Gurbani Blog! Looking forward to hear more Gurbani Vichaar from you in the future.

In nutshell, the Gurbani’s Sant is at the level of Aatmaa, not at the level of the physical body or robes (Bhekh-ਭੇਖ). In other words, the mind that has become one with its Mool (ਮੂਲ-Prabhoo, Raam, Hari, Gobind…) is the Sant. Thus, one cannot become a Sant by just wearing a specific robe (Bhekh-ਭੇਖ), or by calling himself a Sant, or having his followers calling him a Sant!
ਸੋਈ ਸੰਤੁ ਜਿ ਭਾਵੈ ਰਾਮ ॥ (sggs 867).

I think one should not get confused with the use of the word SANT in different context.The
word SANT is exclusive for PRABHu Abinaasee and in other context also its meaning does not change e g
in Quote 1.ਸੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ ਕੀ ਪੈਜ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਾਖੀ ਹਰਨਾਖਸੁ ਨਖ ਬਿਦਰਿਓ ( Sant is used for ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ
Here the word SANT has not been used for ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ no doubt the word SANT is in context of
ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ. The meaning of the Quote can also be
Jis SANT NE kept the honour of ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ by tearing ਹਰਨਾਖਸੁ with nails. Therefore the WORd SANThere is for the ENTITY PRABHu.
Similary the word SANT can be understood for other Quotes also.
Bhul Chu Maaf

In this blog lot of discussion was done on Sant But in SGGS ji SANT has came many-many times with different meaning …..
1.ਸੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ ਕੀ ਪੈਜ ਜਿਨਿ ਰਾਖੀ ਹਰਨਾਖਸੁ ਨਖ ਬਿਦਰਿਓ ( Sant is used for ਪ੍ਰਹਲਾਦ )
2.ਆਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਪਿਆਰਿਹੋ ਅਕਥ ਕੀ ਕਰਹ ਕਹਾਣੀ ॥( Sant is used for common peoples who are in search of truth)
3.ਥਾਨੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਾ ਪਵਿਤੁ ਹੈ ਜਿਥੈ ਸੰਤ ਸਭਾ ॥( Sant is used for satsangi peoples)
4.ਹਰਿ ਤਿਸੈ ਧਿਆਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਹੁ ਜੋ ਲਏ ਛਡਾਈ ॥੨॥( Sant is used for satsangi peoples)
5.ਭਾਗੁ ਹੋਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਸੰਤੁ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ ॥( Sant is used for Guru)

in Gurbani one word(Same word)has been used for different meanings at different locations.
Bhul-Chuk maff karni

Respeted T Singh Ji,
I have listened all from this U tube.The whole presentation is very clear except for
1…The gramaar of the words with Caital VOWELS as A E I O U i e Matras of DULAIKAD.
2..Reference meanings of PLURAL (Masculine Gender) words
All are silent on these explanations.
If you have any it would be my great pleasure to know that.

Respected T Singh Ji,
I request you for a clarification for the word SANT in the Quote as
• ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤ ਸੰਤ ਹਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੋਹੰਦੀ
Now there is no sambadhak(Proposition) with the word SANT which is without AUKAD.

The rule of “ਸੰਬੰਧਕ” (Proposition) is just one rule. There are other rules by which a word could be “Singular” (ਪੁਲਿੰਗ, ਇਕ ਵਚਨ – Masculine Gender, Singular). Similarly, there are rules by which a word could be PLURAL(Masculine Gender), and so on …

If you are interested, please feel free to use the two YouTube links we have provided in the footer of this Blog. They already have put lots of time and energy in this subject.

Our Gurus were Sants/Bhagats/Daas/Sevak/Jan/Sikh of Waheguru. With the grace of Waheguru we can also rise to such levels by contemplating and experimenting the truths in Gurbani. There are promises like:-

Very true Sir,
I feel that the reference meanings of the word SANTu/SANT are for GuRu/GuR or NAAMu/NAAM.
A person can be refered as only sewak or das of SANTu/SANT.
In the context of the word SANT the following Quote is worth considering for its reference meaning.The Quote
“NANAK DAAS SANT PAACHCHE PARIYO RAAKH LEHO EHE BAARI”

Refereing to the Quote and its interpretation as
ਜਿਨਾ ਸਾਸਿ ਗਿਰਾਸਿ ਨ ਵਿਸਰੈ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾਂ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥ (Raag Gauri Guru Arjan Dve, GGS. 319-18).
Jinaa Saas Giraas N Visarai Har Naamaan Man Manth ||
Those who do not forget the Lord with each breath and morsel of food whose minds are filled with the Mantra of the Lord’s Name

ਧੰਨੁ ਸਿ ਸੇਈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਪੂਰਨੁ ਸੋਈ ਸੰਤੁ ॥੧॥
Dhhann S Saeee Naanakaa Pooran Soee Santh ||1||
– they alone are blessed; O Nanak, they are the perfect Saints. ||1||
It is interesting to consider to what extent this interpretation is correct. I find if one considers the interpretation as per grammar of the words then its interpretation is different.
Consider the word ਸੰਤੁ this word is SINGULAR so it is not for reference as THEY .
In my understanding ,the meanings of the quote may be as
O NANAK …They alone are blessed with HARi NAAMA as Mantra within their MUN as a complete and perfect SANT who do not forget the LORD with each breath and morsel of food

So it seems that ਪੂਰਨੁ ਸੋਈ ਸੰਤੁ is the reference for ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮਾਂ ਮਨਿ ਮੰਤੁ ॥
This is my own understanding I stand for correction.May SatiGuRu ji be the Guide for correct
understanding.

Yes Bhai Sahib Jio – the “Onkarh” at the end of this word ਸੰਤੁ indicates it to be “Singular” (ਪੁਲਿੰਗ, ਇਕ ਵਚਨ – Masculine Gender, Singular).
Second, I also find it of great importance to understand what it means by “ਸਾਸਿ ਗਿਰਾਸਿ ਨ ਵਿਸਰੈ”.
Based on my little understanding, it indicates the Sate of the Gurmukh-hood.
It indicates the Gurmukh-Lifestyle (the Divine Life based on the Gurbani).
It symbolizes the Gurmukh-mind, which has been transformed into Bibek of the Gur-Shabad through the Gur-Shabad (Naam, Hukam…).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸਬਦੁ ਪਛਾਣੀਐ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ (sggs 29).
In nutshell, it symbolizes Budh becoming Bibek, and Aatmaa becoming a Sant – ਬੁਧ ਦਾ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਹੋਣਾਂ, ਆਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਸੰਤ ਬਣ ਜਾਣਾਂ…)!
• ਨਾਨਕ ਸੰਤ ਸੰਤ ਹਰਿ ਏਕੋ ਜਪਿ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਸੋਹੰਦੀ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਮ ਰਾਮ ਮੇਰੇ ਬਾਬੁਲਾ ਪਿਰ ਮਿਲਿ ਧਨ ਵੇਲ ਵਧੰਦੀ ॥੫॥੧॥ (sggs 79).
It is only this Gurmukh mind that can discriminate between the true (“ਖਰੇ”) and false (“ਖੋਟੇ”), as Bhikhaa Ji !!
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਟੇ ਖਰੇ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ (sggs 942).

In the Quote Sant saran jo jan phere so jan udaran haar’ saran jo jan phere so jan udaran haar’ It is important to clarify the true reference meaning of the word “Sant” in context of Gurbaanee.
This is the most misinterprated word of Gurbaanee where people are still in confusion about the actual status of SANT in SGGS ji.
Does NANAK ji directed us to go in the sanctuary of so called wordly Saints? Whereas the concept of Gurbaanee is very clear and the duty of any SIKH is to get connected with NAAMu
thru SatiGuRu .(The word of GuRu) rather than these so called saints.

“Does NANAK ji directed us to go in the sanctuary of so called wordly Saints? Whereas the concept of Gurbaanee is very clear and the duty of any SIKH is to get connected with NAAMu thru SatiGuRu .(The word of GuRu) rather than these so called saints.”

Those who are dedicated to principles of GURMAT must be aware of the critical situation that we are in. Bhai T Singh ji has expounded on this dilemma and until tyrannical politics is predominantly flourishing in India, there would be least hope to curve common thinking to supress malpractices and move onto righteous path. However, it doesn’t mean one should give up. Somehow pursuing a good solution is always better than giving up hope. May God bless these souls to understand what harm they are doing to Shabad-Guru.

“Those who are dedicated to principles of GURMAT must be aware of the critical situation that we are in.”

“Gurmati” (“ਗੁਰਮਤਿ”) =>Teaching of the SGGS => Teaching of the Gur-Parmeshar.
Thus, “Gurmati” (“ਗੁਰਮਤਿ”) is the Way of the Gur-Parmeshar => Way of Sach (ਸਚ-Truth).
Therefore, each earnest student/learner (i.e., Sikh, who is learning from the Gurbani – ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਤੋਂ ਸਿਖਿਆ ਲੈਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਸਿਖਿਆਰਥੀ) is a “Kotwaal” of the Gurbani (SGGS).
“Kotwaal” => a person who takes care of the fort of a town on behalf of another ruler or king.
In nutshell, all “who are dedicated to principles of GURMAT” – “Kotwaal” of the Gurbani (SGGS) – must come out of their secluded existence, air-conditioned offices, and so on, and do their part to preserve the Purity of the Teaching of the SGGS for common Good! Otherwise, there will be no difference between them and so called “Sidhas” who abandoned their societies and families only to go sit on mountain-tops in jungles!
• ਸੰਤਾ ਮਾਨਉ ਦੂਤਾ ਡਾਨਉ ਇਹ ਕੁਟਵਾਰੀ ਮੇਰੀ ॥ (sggs 969).

Yes Bhia Sahib Jio – the Gurbani removes all our doubts.
However, ACCORDING TO THE GURBANI, the condition is that one has to become a Gurmukh (one who completely understands the Gurbani and lives it, ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬੰਦਾ who has transcended Maya while still alive…).
Because, according to the Gurbani, only a Gurmukh can discriminate between truth (ਸੱਤ) and untruth (ਅਸੱਤ), nobody else:
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਖੋਟੇ ਖਰੇ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥ (sggs 942).
Until then, one is liable to mistake. Accroding to the Gurbani:
• ਖੋਟੇ ਕਉ ਖਰਾ ਕਹੈ ਖਰੇ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ (sggs 229).

Nice Sir,I also hope so.Person like yourgoodself have been assigned this duty by Wah GuROO Ji .Things should take a turn ,once the turn starts there is going to be a REVERSE GEAR and one can see the changes happening.

There is some possible solution as suggested by Veer Tirlochan Sngh Duggal ji .But the AUTHORITY refered itself does not seem interested in such a move perhaps it is VOTE BANK
which matter more for the current POLITICS. Such is the STATE of HELPLESSNESS and
it may not be possible at all to delink the people from DERAS or SANTDOM.

It is not possible for anyone to have control over DERABAD, it will remain a trap for those who do not believe in Gurbani intentionally. Yes, alternative salvage would be possible, if Sikh Panth could decide to set up all Akal Takhats as an exclusive institution for Sikh followers to have some weaponry and conventional training programmes prior to receiving Khandey Bate di Pahul and NONE others whosoever should have this provision to offer Khandey Bate Di Pahul. Such Regulatory Institution could create GURMUKHS who would then conform to principles of GURMAT and would act as Role models for others being having deluded for lack of understanding of Gurbani.

It should be very surprising to note that as in presence of SGGS ji it is not possible for anyone to get to be refered or known as GuROO.So such people found a BACK DOOR entry as SANT to excercise the control over people for their own interests.
In fact it is the misinterpretation and prestation of the true reference meaning of the word SANT/SANTAN due to whichordinary persons get trapped in such a net of falsehood.
Now the problen exists in its immense proprtion along with the POLITICAL nterests that it
seems extremely difficult to get rid of SANTHOOD/DERAWAAD.

It is so rare to find people believe in Guru’s sacred word-Shabad Guru. Lack of understanding of Gurbani and by human nature to procure something so easy allures majority to attach with fake institutions of such DERABAD. The latter never associate with GURU PANTH so they not only rob naïve people, but also deter them from internal development of the mind. Such resultant blindness entraps the whole family members and they never achieve the purpose of life. It would mean they waste their life and reincarnation continues; the body is never ever get emancipated. One must endeavour to free our self and achieve the motive; this is only possible by reading, understanding and acting on Guru’s Word.

Excellent and very clear message from Gurbaanee ,Sir.But still a common person having known all this may still be in places like DERAS because their roots are now pretty deep in the various sections of the society.
I find even the most educated Sikh Brothers eulogising these so called sant for uplifting them.
I fail to understand what kind of uplifting they mean.But the mind set of general persons is
very much inclined .

I find even the most educated Sikh Brothers eulogising these so called sant

The Gurbani indicates that one’s education = foolishness if he is full of Bikaar (greed, pride…):
• ਪੜਿਆ ਮੂਰਖੁ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਸੁ ਲਬੁ ਲੋਭੁ ਅਹੰਕਾਰਾ ॥ (sggs 140).
And, on account of their Bikaar (greed, etc.), many educated eulogize them because they take cut from the loot (income..) of these fraud Sant!!